KUALA LANGAT, Sept 16 – The floating market, a main attraction at the Selangor Culture Festival at Dataran Batu Laut here, is showcasing the identities of all nine districts in the state, including their traditional food.
State executive councillor for housing and culture Datuk Borhan Aman Shah said the market would feature nine boats representing the districts, with each decorated according to the arts and cultural identity of its respective area.
He said the initiative would not only preserve traditional practices but also help reintroduce them to younger generations.
“These boats will be moored at Pantai Batu Laut, with each carrying an identity representing one of the nine districts. If this year’s event is successful, the floating market will be made a regular event, perhaps every six months.
“This will also introduce the area as a new tourist attraction, while the activity could become a new identity for the local Batu Laut community,” he said after launching the Malaysia Day celebration and National Month closing ceremony at the Kuala Langat level today.
Borhan said the festival, which began today until Sunday, is expected to attract around 100,000 visitors, based on the encouraging response to previous events.
He said various other activities had also been lined up, including a vintage market (pasar klasik), cultural exhibitions, traditional sports, family and child-friendly activities, marhaban and berzanji competitions, as well as performances by popular artistes and sales booths.
“Last year, we recorded 70,000 visitors, and this time we are confident the figure could reach 100,000 as the festival is being held for a longer period.
“As part of our efforts to promote culture, the festival will also help small traders generate income, as we have provided many booths as platforms to showcase and sell their products,” he said.
The festival, organised by the Selangor branch of the National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN), is open from 10am to 11pm.
The programme also offers visitors the opportunity to take part in a photography competition with RM1,000 in prize.
Visitors can also access services at various booths, including those operated by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Selangor Public Library Corporation’s (PPAS) mobile library.
